Our Mission
Fostering experiences of Christian community in the beauty of God's creation.
We believe God calls us to live in loving, accepting community in partnership with the natural world. JKR is a place where love, acceptance, grace, and FUN flow freely. All are welcome. We've preserved this special place for people to gather, to learn, have fun, and grow. Reconnect and recharge with us at John Knox Ranch!
We believe God calls us to live in loving, accepting community in partnership with the natural world. JKR is a place where love, acceptance, grace, and FUN flow freely. All are welcome. We've preserved this special place for people to gather, to learn, have fun, and grow. Reconnect and recharge with us at John Knox Ranch!
Summer Camp and Retreat Center
John Knox Ranch is a ministry of Mission Presbytery and is governed by the JKR Committee and the General Council of Mission Presbytery. During the summer we offer resident camp for students entering grades 2 - 12 and day camp for kids ages 4 - 8.
Attending camp at JKR helps children and youth develop social and interpersonal skills, a sense of self, and an understanding of our place in and responsibility for this pretty planet.
Year-round we offer cabin rentals, weddings, team building activities, retreat hosting, officer training, family reunions, food service, and more for your church group or for individuals.
At John Knox Ranch, we foster experiences of Christian community in the beauty of God's creation. JKR is a place where love, acceptance, grace, and FUN flow freely. All are welcome.
Attending camp at JKR helps children and youth develop social and interpersonal skills, a sense of self, and an understanding of our place in and responsibility for this pretty planet.
Year-round we offer cabin rentals, weddings, team building activities, retreat hosting, officer training, family reunions, food service, and more for your church group or for individuals.
At John Knox Ranch, we foster experiences of Christian community in the beauty of God's creation. JKR is a place where love, acceptance, grace, and FUN flow freely. All are welcome.
Our History
John Knox Ranch began on July 10, 1962 with the purchase of the 254-acre Meyer Ranch about 20 miles southwest of San Marcos, culminating a three-year search for a retreat and fellowship site.
In 1968, the Presbytery of John Knox (now Mission Presbytery) bought another 46 acres, bringing the property to its current 300 acres while adding several hundred feet of creek frontage and capturing one of the most beautiful, heavily-wooded areas now on the Ranch.
The Red Cabin (now the Calvin Cottage), the adjacent stone storage building and the tank house/windmill were part of the original property purchase.
The first John Knox Ranch Summer Camp was held in the summer of 1963, and we haven't looked back since!
In 1968, the Presbytery of John Knox (now Mission Presbytery) bought another 46 acres, bringing the property to its current 300 acres while adding several hundred feet of creek frontage and capturing one of the most beautiful, heavily-wooded areas now on the Ranch.
The Red Cabin (now the Calvin Cottage), the adjacent stone storage building and the tank house/windmill were part of the original property purchase.
The first John Knox Ranch Summer Camp was held in the summer of 1963, and we haven't looked back since!
Meet the JKR team
We work hard to ensure you have a wonderful experience here at the ranch.
- Henry Owen
- Lori BrunsOffice Manager
jkroffice@missionpby.org - Andy Watson
- Amy Lyles
- Brynn Owen
- Garrett Vanden Bout
- Matthew Wood
- Lita SemuHead Cook
Our Partners
The best experiences in life are ones that are shared with others. Over the years, we've collaborated with several organizations whose mission and goals complement ours. We welcome new partners and future "long-time friends," so if you are interested in exploring the possibility partnering with us, please contact us.
